Shloka 2.61.13

कौसल्याविलापः — Kausalya’s Lament and Ethical Analogies on Kingship

Devanagari script

तत्र ये गुणवन्तश्च विद्वांसश्च द्विजातयः।न पश्चात्तेऽभिमन्यन्ते सुधामपि सुरोपमाः।।2.61.13।।

Transliteration

tatra ye guṇavantaś ca vidvāṃsaś ca dvijātayaḥ |

na paścāt te 'bhimanyante sudhām api suropamāḥ ||

Translation

There, the twice-born who are virtuous and learned—godlike in bearing—do not accept what is offered after others, even if it were amṛta, the nectar of immortality.

Context

The god-like brahmins who are virtuous and learned will not accept the food after others have partaken even if it is ambrosia.

Characters & Entities

• dvijāti (brāhmaṇas)
• sudhā (ambrosia)
• sura (gods)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma upholds honor and rightful precedence: the worthy do not accept being treated as ‘afterthoughts,’ even if the material offering is excellent.

What is the narrative situation?

Continuing the śrāddha analogy, Kauśalyā argues that what is rightfully first (by merit) cannot be ethically placed second.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity (ātma-garima): the learned refuse compromised honor, illustrating principled conduct over gain.